On Wednesday (2.11,) The Pogues announced the death of their longtime drummer, Andrew Ranken.
Paying homage to their beloved bandmate, the group wrote “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andrew Ranken, drummer, founding member, and heartbeat of The Pogues. Andrew, thank you for everything, for your friendship, your wit and your generosity of spirit, and of course for the music, forever a true friend and brother. Our thoughts and love are with his family at this sad and difficult time.”
The 72-year-old musician, who played drums, percussion, harmonica and contributed vocals across the band’s classic eras, was part of The Pogues’ 1983 original line-up and remained with them until 1996, and later rejoined the group in 2001. Performing with them through their reunion years until 2014, Andrew’s powerful, unmistakable playing helped define The Pogues’ sound through their rise in the 80s and 90s, contributing to some of the band’s most celebrated recordings and live performances.
While his cause of death has not yet been revealed, Ranken did not participate in their most recent series of concerts due to health-related issues and was replaced by Fontaine’s D.C.’s Tom Cull.
Since the passing of frontman Shane MacGowan, in May of 2025, The Pogues embarked on their first tour in more than ten years. Following a battle with pneumonia, the singer died in November 2024, at the age of 65,
Surviving members Spider Stacy, 67, James Fearnley, 71, and Jem Finer, 70, reunited in 2025.
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Author: Al Dente
Photo: Aniol